Zucchini Lasagna: A Healthy and Delicious Twist on a Classic
Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but it can be heavy and calorie-laden. This zucchini lasagna recipe offers a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. Using zucchini slices instead of pasta creates a veggie-packed meal that's surprisingly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to impress even the pickiest eaters!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This zucchini lasagna recipe requires readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight.
- For the Zucchini: 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
- For the Sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, salt and pepper to taste.
- For the Cheese Filling: 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
- For the Topping: 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Thinly slice the zucchini lengthwise using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. This ensures even cooking. You might need to use more zucchini than indicated depending on the size of your baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Delicious Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This slow simmering develops rich flavors!
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the bottom of the dish with a thin layer of tomato sauce.
- Arrange a layer of zucchini slices over the sauce, slightly overlapping them if necessary.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the zucchini.
- Repeat the layers: sauce, zucchini, ricotta. Continue layering until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Lasagna
- Don't overcook the zucchini. Slightly undercooked zucchini will still be tender when the lasagna is baked.
- Use a variety of cheeses. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina.
- Add some protein. For a heartier meal, add cooked ground meat, sausage, or lentils to the sauce.
- Make it ahead. You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it later. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
This healthy lasagna is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it even further. Consider serving it with a simple side salad for a complete and well-balanced meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette would perfectly complement the rich flavors of the lasagna.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy zucchini lasagna! Remember to share your culinary creations using #zucchinilasagna and tag us!
